Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
Leprosy is a slow-growing bacterial infection that mainly affects the skin and nerves. It is curable with medicines, and — contrary to old beliefs — it is not highly contagious and does not cause body parts to "fall off".
Loss of feeling to touch, heat or pain in affected areas
Thickened nerves, sometimes tender
Muscle weakness in the hands or feet
Painless wounds or burns from unnoticed injury
Tests & diagnosis
Skin examination and testing sensation in patches
Skin smear or skin biopsy
Nerve examination
Treatment & management
Multi-drug therapy (MDT), which cures the infection — provided free in India
Completing the full course, even after symptoms improve
Care to protect numb hands and feet from injury
Physiotherapy and, in some cases, surgery for deformities
Early treatment to prevent lasting nerve damage
When to see a doctor urgently
A skin patch that has lost sensation
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands or feet
Painless wounds that keep occurring
Any of these after contact with an untreated person
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about leprosy (hansen’s disease). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is leprosy curable?
Yes. Multi-drug therapy cures leprosy, and treatment quickly makes a person non-infectious. In India it is provided free of charge.
Is leprosy highly contagious?
No. Most people’s immune systems resist the bacteria, and it usually needs prolonged close contact with an untreated person to spread. It stops being contagious soon after treatment starts.
Does leprosy make body parts fall off?
No — that is a myth. Damage comes from loss of sensation leading to unnoticed injuries and infections, which is why early treatment and protecting numb areas matter.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.